Random Truck Search?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by MercuryLine, Nov 15, 2019.

  1. MercuryLine

    MercuryLine Light Load Member

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    Hi guys,
    So this has never happened to us before but we got pulled over by two police officers in IL randomly and the truck was searched high and low (the sleeper, personal belongings, etc). When we asked what they are searching for, they simply said, "don't worry about it, you don't have it".

    Has this ever happened to anyone? It seems sketchy...
     
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  3. Doealex

    Doealex Medium Load Member

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    Welcome to trucking - Lots of things are sketchy here:)
     
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  4. MercuryLine

    MercuryLine Light Load Member

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    Oct 4, 2019
    Southern California
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    :D
     
  5. tinytim

    tinytim Road Train Member

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    Northern Ontario
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    Did you consent?
     
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  6. MercuryLine

    MercuryLine Light Load Member

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    Southern California
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    Yes. He asked if he could see the sleeper and we said yes. He then looked under the bed, in the cabinets, in our bags, etc.
     
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  7. Espressolane

    Espressolane Road Train Member

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    If you were stopped, then the LEO did not ask for permission to search vehicle, then it would have been an unlawful search. Also may have been an unlawful stop.

    Now all sorts will jump in with they can search with out permissions, well that’s not true. What they can do is inspect the inside of the truck for proper equipment. They can not open any cabinets, or other “ closed” areas, this includes shower bags, coolers any thing that is not in the open and visible. Even your trash, if you keep it in a container, with a plastic bag, make sure the bag is twisted closed. It can not be opened.
     
  8. Mike250rs

    Mike250rs Heavy Load Member

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    Raleigh, NC
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    They have to ask to enter the vehicle. Anything in view from the steps is fair game regardless.

    Asking why they want to search is pointless usually, but can be fun to see what they come up with.

    The bunk area is considered your " home " and should be treated the same as the one you mail goes to.
     
  9. Espressolane

    Espressolane Road Train Member

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    Just south of the north 40
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    Your mistake was providing consent. The “ can we look at or in” has a wide open interpretation. You gave consent to a search.

    In the future when the question is asked, your reply should be not to provide consent.

    At this point, you should have clarified if this was a traffic stop for a violation or a random roadside inspection. When they want in the truck, always ask if you understand that they are asking to INSPECT the inside for proper equipment. Make them state it is a search, then do not give consent, be polite about it.
     
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  10. starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    Fairbanks Ak
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    They have to do so many searches to keep certain federal funding moneys.
    All you have to do is say no. They can open the door and look in, not get in or mess with anything without your permission.
    I have had them get mad, but I suspect they are over it by now.
    Now if you are dealing with customs, or within a certain distance from a national border there are some changes in the law.
     
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